2025 Deloitte Back-to-School Survey

In our 18th annual Back-to-School Survey, families are sharpening pencils and their budgets. They’re approaching their second-largest annual spending event1 with a note of restraint, given current economic and household financial positions. Despite the uncertainty, parents appear confident they can replace clothing and refill backpacks by leaning on the savvy shopping habits they’ve honed during the past few years of high prices. Expected spending per child ($570) is flat year over year, as parents expect to focus on just the essentials. Retailers that can appeal to the value-seeking consumer will likely be best positioned to capture part of the $30.9 billion in potential sales (flat YoY) up for grabs.